Myanmar finally has a genuine civilian government, but some of the doubts about its ability to perform its role without hindrance and interference from the military establishment are proving true. In what can be termed as the first tussle between the two sides, members of Myanmar’s parliament from the military, who under the constitution hold a quarter of seats, opposed a bill introduced by the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) calling it unconstitutional. The bill seeks to create the post of a state counsellor for Aung San Suu Kyi to coordinate ministers and influence the executive, thus effectively circumventing a constitution written by the former junta that prevents her from becoming president on the ground that her two sons are not Myanmar citizens. But the military opposed the bill on the ground that it concentrated too much power in the hands of one person.
The differences over the state counselor post may not spiral out of control because the government and the military wouldn’t want to precipitate a crisis now, but they clearly point to the challenges ahead that will force themselves to the fore. Under the new president, Htin Kyaw, who took office on Wednesday, Aung San Suu Kyi has taken four ministries: those of foreign affairs, presidential affairs, energy and education. That’s a powerful bundle of portfolios, and the position of state counselor will further widen her powers. This is something the military doesn’t definitely want and Suu Kyi will definitely fight for. Despite the military opposition, the bill passed and moved to the lower house for debate on Monday. The NLD has a majority in both houses so does not need military approval to pass bills. The constitution of the country cannot be changed without the military’s approval, but this is a development that they may not have foreseen.
Also, in the new government, the military holds the key portfolios of defence, border affairs and home affairs, which gives the military enormous powers. The control of the police is especially important and Suu Kyi and her team can find the going tough without the cooperation of the police.
People in Myanmar and the international community would want the current democratic process to succeed to bring progress and stability to a country afflicted with many crises. The military junta has won praise for stepping aside and paving the way for democracy, and it must live up to its promises by letting the new government rule. The oovernment of Suu Kyi, on the other hand, must refrain from actions and decisions that would provoke the military. Both need to agree on a common governance agenda for the next few years.
Myanmar finally has a genuine civilian government, but some of the doubts about its ability to perform its role without hindrance and interference from the military establishment are proving true. In what can be termed as the first tussle between the two sides, members of Myanmar’s parliament from the military, who under the constitution hold a quarter of seats, opposed a bill introduced by the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) calling it unconstitutional. The bill seeks to create the post of a state counsellor for Aung San Suu Kyi to coordinate ministers and influence the executive, thus effectively circumventing a constitution written by the former junta that prevents her from becoming president on the ground that her two sons are not Myanmar citizens. But the military opposed the bill on the ground that it concentrated too much power in the hands of one person.
The differences over the state counselor post may not spiral out of control because the government and the military wouldn’t want to precipitate a crisis now, but they clearly point to the challenges ahead that will force themselves to the fore. Under the new president, Htin Kyaw, who took office on Wednesday, Aung San Suu Kyi has taken four ministries: those of foreign affairs, presidential affairs, energy and education. That’s a powerful bundle of portfolios, and the position of state counselor will further widen her powers. This is something the military doesn’t definitely want and Suu Kyi will definitely fight for. Despite the military opposition, the bill passed and moved to the lower house for debate on Monday. The NLD has a majority in both houses so does not need military approval to pass bills. The constitution of the country cannot be changed without the military’s approval, but this is a development that they may not have foreseen.
Also, in the new government, the military holds the key portfolios of defence, border affairs and home affairs, which gives the military enormous powers. The control of the police is especially important and Suu Kyi and her team can find the going tough without the cooperation of the police.
People in Myanmar and the international community would want the current democratic process to succeed to bring progress and stability to a country afflicted with many crises. The military junta has won praise for stepping aside and paving the way for democracy, and it must live up to its promises by letting the new government rule. The oovernment of Suu Kyi, on the other hand, must refrain from actions and decisions that would provoke the military. Both need to agree on a common governance agenda for the next few years.
